Arrangements for R.S.L. annual banquet. Lord High Admiral may attend.
Arrangements for R.S.L. annual banquet. Lord High Admiral may attend.
Expresses elation and gratitude at being elected corresponding member of the astronomy section of the Académie des sciences. Believes that JH's name has led to JH's researches gaining more praise than their merits justify.
Thanks NB for sending volume I of NB's translation into English of P. S. Laplace's Mécanique céleste. Praises the translation and notes that it shows the high level of science in the U.S. Will send NB some of JH's publications.
Sending two copies of JH's Prelim. Discourse; keep one and pass one to Charles Babbage. JH tried to cancel the motto for the book but it was too late.
With great reluctance due to his plans for the future, JH agrees to let his name stand in nomination for the Presidency of the R.S.L.
[Responding to SR's 1830-9-6], provides information on James Bradley's observation; also notes a 'striking' anomaly in observation. Mentions study JH is doing on the Castor star system and JH's observations of Uranus's two moons.
Apologizes that JH has been to busy to study James Bradley's observations of double stars sent by SR. Has been busy writing on another subject.
Is reluctant to sign any certificates for memberships in the R.S.L. just now [does not explain reason].
Provides HG [who was writing a biography of Thomas Young] with a detailed evaluation of Young's contributions to physical science, e.g., Young's development of the principle of interference in optics.
[Responding to TH's 1830-9-10], JH notes that John Murray declined to publish an edition of William Herschel's papers. Believes if republished his father's writings should be corrected and annotated, which JH could not at present undertake.
Wanted [Michael] Underwood's book on the diseases of children [Treatise on the Diseases of Children], not [Astley P.] Cooper's book on surgery [Lectures on the Principles and Practices of Surgery]. Is an exchange possible?
Thanks for his letter, which had been forwarded to his old address. Is pleased he intends working on double stars, though 70 Ophiuchi may prove difficult. Will send some of his own readings for double stars. Like him, he is astonished at the acrimony of the attack on Thomas Young and the Nautical Almanac.
Suggests Peter Barlow should test his telescope by carrying out a series of observations.
Is defending a change in notation for the angles of position system that JH introduced in a paper. [Postscript dated 1830-7-7 marked 'Private' and deals with business relating to the Athenaeum and a comment on Charles Babbage's book.]
Some comments about the [Vignette] together with its return.
Declines to write the Bridgewater Treatise on astronomy; also declines to comment on a paper due to lack of time and difficulty with the author.
About the sad state of the R.S.L. under the presidency of Davies Gilbert, and what is to be done to improve it.
Declines an opportunity to consult [with JH?].
Signing certificates for election to fellowship in the R.S.L. at this time [JH having been nominated for President] would be very awkward for JH, so he will not sign for WT.